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Effective Approaches for Addressing the Next Generation Science Standards in the Earth and Space Science Classroom

This NESTA hands-on workshop highlights lessons and strategies using NGSS cross-cutting concepts to unite core ideas and science and engineering practices for the geoscience classroom.

The past 20 years have been exciting times for the fields of Earth and Space Science (ESS) as technology has changed the way scientists view Earth and space. Measurement platforms provide a myriad of data to answer questions about Earth processes and how humans are affecting them. The Next Generation Science Standards have applied this new view in developing grade-appropriate performance expectations that mirror the work of scientists. Students will be expected to collect and analyze data, build models, and employ scientific practices to answer questions about the natural world. This view of ESS as a complex, interconnected system requires the classroom teacher to reflect upon their practice to ensure their students meet new performance expectations. This session will provide exemplary teaching resources to assist teachers in their transition to the NGSS ESS Standards. Participants will engage with hands-on lessons that utilize the cross-cutting concepts to unite core ideas and incorporate a variety of science and engineering practices. This workshop focuses on freely available materials available through the National Earth Science Teachers Association and its flagship ESS education website, Windows to the Universe, as well as resources provided through other programs sponsored by federal agencies and non-profit partners.